Press On in Joy

Kathy Carlton Willis is no stranger to difficult circumstances, but she emerges from them with joy. In this Spiritual Life and Joy UPGRADE, she calls us to press past the voices of circumstances or our own destructive self-talk and listen to another Voice—someone who can help us press on in joy.

“As I write this, I’m in the middle of the national pandemic lockdown,” Kathy says. “You’re reading it on the last day of the lockdown.

"I wish I had a crystal ball to write what our May looks like. We just don’t know.”

I (Dawn) don’t have a crystal ball either. All I know is we’re in this together. Kathy gives us words of encouragement as we press on.

Kathy continues . . .

It’s possible the lockdown will continue. During this time of uncertainty, what a blessing to cling to what we do know.

As Christ followers, we know:

whatever comes our way, we can grin with joy, knowing it does get better than this.

I can sit here and focus on my troubles:

• My husband lost his job due to cutbacks in the middle of January. It was hard enough finding employment at age 58 in the good times, but now there is much more joblessness.
• My health could be better. My chronics are flaring.
• The stay-at-home order has everyone a bit stir crazy. Some are bored. I’m just busy, scrambling to change everything that took over a year to plan that has cancelled. Now I have days instead of months to activate a new plan.
• I’m a caregiver to my mom. Even though she is very independent, it adds to my load having her living with us. Why? Because I give a care.

Rather than focus on my troubles, I will sit here and fix my gaze on Jesus, the author and sustainer of my joy.

For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!

So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever (2 Corinthians 4:17–18 NLT).

On my Facebook page, I asked about how to have joy despite brokenness. I asked people to describe their brokenness.

One person wrote:

“Top of the list is pain. I have no hope for the future with what I'm going through. It will never get better. Just getting worse. I want my life back but that will never happen. Depressing. I try to stay positive every day, but sometimes it’s just very hard when all you do is cry. I’m in so much pain and meds do not help. I can't stop. I have responsibility to help my family.”

I responded:

"I'm sorry to hear that. When we get depressing news and live with discouraging conditions, it can be overwhelming! I couldn't possibly know the depth of what you are going through, but I do have several chronic diseases that are debilitating and progressive.

"The main reason I can still have joy isn't because I have hope that I'll get better in this life (unless there’s a miracle!). But I know in heaven I'll get rid of pain once and for all. And there will be no more tears. My hope in God gets me through some awful stuff.

"Also, I focus on what I CAN find joy in. I tell myself that my body doesn't get to dictate my perspective on how I feel. It's only one third of who I am. My spirit and soul are two thirds of who I am, so they get the majority vote. That really helps me adjust my feelings on days I'm suffering.

"I hope that encourages you a little. It stinks, what you are going through. And I'm so sorry it's happening."

We all are going through something, especially these days.

What can we do to find joy in the middle of all this?

1.  Switch focus.

Instead of looking at the problems, look to the Problem-Solver.

I will fix my gaze on Jesus!

2. Praise in advance of the breakthrough.

Worship God not because He will fix the circumstances, but because He is God.

3. Seek to serve.

When we put our attention and energy in helping others, our problems pale in comparison. And we realize even when we feel stuck, there is still something we can do to help.

One example: I’ve been leaving sound bites on Facebook Messenger to friends.

In these voice messages, I pray for them.

Encourage them.

Tell them I love them.

There’s something about hearing another person’s voice that helps us all know we’re not in this alone.

And the greatest voice of all to hear is the voice of God, through His Word and his Spirit.

What voice are you listening to today?

Kathy Carlton Willis, God’s Grin Gal, writes and speaks with a balance of funny and faith, whimsy and wisdom. She coaches others to remove the training wheels of fear and not just risk, but also take pleasure in the joy ride of life. She is known for her debut book, Grin with Grace, and for her grinning Boston terrier, Hettie. Her new book, The Grin Gal’s Guide to Joy is inspiring Joy Sightings everywhere. Discover more about Kathy at www.kathycarltonwillis.com.

Graphic adapted, courtesy of Brightside Creative at Lightstock.

Regain Your Sense of Wonder

Ava Pennington is known for her wisdom in the Word. In this Attitude UPGRADE, she encourages readers to upgrade their lives by regaining their godly sense of wonder.

"G. K. Chesterton wrote, 'We are perishing for want of wonder, not for want of wonders.'

"I can relate," Ava says.

One year I (Dawn) chose the word "wonder" as my word of the year. It was one of the most wonder-full years of my life—life changing! I'm so glad Ava chose to write about this. Our attitudes and perspectives can be so much more to the glory of God.

Ava continues . . .

I often lose my sense of wonder these days, taking for granted things as imposing as a jet plane or as fragile as a butterfly. I ignore a sunset or overlook a rainbow as I rush to the next task on my to-do list.

Many of us seek miracles for our problems, yet miss the miracles in each day.

Consider the human body in all its wonder: 60,000,000,000,000 (sixty trillion) cells, unique fingerprints, and 600 muscles.

Or the beauty of a rainbow resulting from the interaction of light rays and water droplets.

The greatest wonder of all?

Our holy God provided a way to restore sinful humanity to Him. Because of Jesus, we’re able to call the awesome Creator God, Father.

I’m determined to delight in the large and small wonders inhabiting my days.

Have you lost your sense of wonder at joyful intimacy with the living God or the marvels of His creation?

If so, join me in regaining your sense of wonder.

1. Cultivate faith in our limitless God.

The pressures of daily life can cause our circumstances to overwhelm us. But our finite abilities don’t compare to God’s infinite wisdom and power.

He’s the One who set the stars in space. Don’t let the children’s poem, “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” fool you—“little star”?

Consider our star, the sun. Its mass of hot plasma totals more than 99 percent of our solar system. Additionally, the sun converts 4,000,000 tons of matter into energy every second. And our limitless God created it along with countless other stars in the universe!

Hebrews 11:1 (ESV) reminds us, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”

When circumstances overwhelm our finite minds, faith offers assurance we can trust God’s infinite faithfulness.

2. View the world with childlike humility and wonder.

The first time I flew, I knew the scientific explanations for cloud formation. But you’d never have known it by my initial reaction. Sitting in a window seat, I repeatedly squealed, “Look at the clouds!”

You’d have thought I was nine years old. Uh…no. More like twenty.

Decades later, despite the hassles, I intentionally remind myself of the sheer wonder of flying—

• of sitting safely while hurtling through the sky at 500 miles an hour;
• of soaring above the clouds while reveling in the Creator who made them.

Even more important than viewing our world with childlike wonder, God calls us to trust Him with childlike faith.

When the disciples asked Jesus to identify the greatest in heaven’s kingdom, He pointed to the humility of a child (Matthew 18:3).

It takes humility to approach the world in wonder.

 And it takes humility to acknowledge our helplessness and approach God for the salvation He offers.

3. Be present and attentive in the moment.

I have a tendency to multitask, even when I’m with other people. I’m often consumed with to-do lists. Can you relate?

Today gets lost in the shuffle between tomorrow’s worries and yesterday’s regrets.

Inattentiveness causes missed opportunities for wonder right in front of me.

Replacing New Year’s resolutions, I now identify “one word” for my focus each year. This year, my word is attentive.

I want to be intentionally present in the moment—

• to pay attention as God speaks to me through His Word and the Holy Spirit’s prompts;
• to be more attentive to the people He places in my path.

Proverbs 12:15, and 19:20 are just two of the verses reminding us to listen to—and apply—wisdom. Wisdom is found in the Bible, the Holy Spirit’s whispers and the counsel of mature Christians. My attentiveness has already led to increased wonder!

4. Default to joy.

As we get older, it becomes easier to focus on negative aspects of life.

Here’s an easy one: I dislike driving in the rain. Yet, although low visibility requires additional concentration, I can still choose to default to joy at the refreshment it brings.

Consider the recent Australian bushfires that burned more than 12,000,000 acres. Desperate prayers addressed heaven for the inconvenient rain I complain about!

The Bible is replete with verses reminding us to be joyful.

• We’re told to rejoice in hope (Romans 12:12a)
• We're to be joyful when we suffer trials (James 1:2).
• The apostle Paul included joy as part of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22).
• We’re to always rejoice in the Lord (Philippians 4:4).

Defaulting to joy changes our perspective, preparing us for the time when we’ll have fullness of joy in God’s presence (Psalm 16:11).

Children naturally exude a sense of wonder. Since you and I are God’s children, we should do the same.

He’s worthy of our wonder and childlike faith, so bask in the wonder of God’s faithfulness and love today!

How will you apply the above steps to regain your sense of wonder?

Ava Pennington is a writer, Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) teacher, and speaker. She is the author of the adult devotional, Daily Reflections on the Names of God, and has co-authored two children’s picture books. Ava has written numerous articles for magazines such as Today’s Christian Woman and Focus on the Family’s Clubhouse, and contributed to more than 30 anthologies. Visit her at www.AvaWrites.com.

The Gift of Joy

Kathy Carlton Willis is wise and witty, and she never fails to encourage readers to choose joy. In this Christmas UPGRADE, she says not to be overcome with stress, but rather, to be overcome with joy!

“You won't find joy gift-wrapped and under the Christmas tree, but it is a gift indeed,” Kathy says.

I (Dawn) have thought much about gifts over this year. Some gifts, we don't really want, but they ultimately bring us the peace we so desire. Kathy reminds us of a gift we all would like to have—the wonderful gift of true, God-given joy.

Kathy continues . . .

Without the birth of Christ which we celebrate at Christmas, there would be no authentic joy.

There might be temporary bursts of happiness, controlled by surrounding circumstances, but there would not be joy.

"These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full” (John 15:11 KJV).

In times of crisis and conflict, joy produces a calm that cannot be explained. It allows a person to be more than just content, but actually excited about living life "out loud."

Joy gives its recipient an assurance that any unpleasant circumstance is only a temporary inconvenience that can be overcome victoriously.

Overcoming Joy Robbers at Christmas

1. Plan well.

One reason joy evades us is because we feel swallowed up in Christmas chaos. Taking time to discuss holiday plans will help prevent meltdowns.

2. Simplify.

We increase our potential for that Christmas chaos because we want to do “all the things” and there’s no way to do it all well. And sleep. We can all admit sleep is pretty important!

So simplify your “want to do” this Christmas season.

3. Reduce expectations.

One reason joy leaves a home is because expectations have entered in. We have unrealistic expectations for others and self. We have unmet expectations because we hope others will read our minds and we avoid communicating needs and wants.

Discuss expectations or eliminate them.

4. Make it about others.

If you want to thwart the joy robber, activate your security system. What is the best prevention of joy theft? Serving your way through the holiday season. It’s not too late to make Christmas special for someone else.

Being others-minded is the best way to bump up your joy quotient!

Joy to the World—and to Me?

When was the last time you sang “Joy to the World” and wondered if that included you too?

Joy can be elusive as challenging circumstances crowd our hearts. Yet, if there’s any time to be joyful, it’s at Christmastime. It celebrates such a gift of love!

Allow the joy of the Lord to fill you so that you are moved to worship Him, surrendered completely.

Our joy increases as we focus on God’s attributes and good works. In the presence of His majesty, we experience the awe of joyful adoration.

The Christmas carol, "Joy to the world, the Lord is come!" is so accurate. Joy came to the world in the form of the baby Jesus. Anything before that time was just an anticipation of the Christ Child's appearance.

We who live after His birth get the full picture—the gift of grace and mercy—rather than having to offer our own sin sacrifices like God's people did in the Old Testament. Christ's life and death give us the completion of God's gift to us, His beloved.

How can we not be joyful, when we consider this?

Earlier I mentioned the KJV version of John 15:11. Look how the NLT words it—“I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!”

Let’s break it down.

• When we focus on what Jesus told us in Scripture, we can be filled with joy.
• We will be filled, not with just any joy, but with Jesus’ joy. We get to experience the same joy Jesus experiences. Let that thought sink in!
• Our joy will be so full, we cannot contain it. It will overflow from our lives. One evidence of a joy-filled life is a joy-shared life.

Joy can only come from the One who guarantees salvation, because with that, there is eternal peace of mind. When Christ becomes real in our lives, we begin to pick up His mannerisms, and if Christ is anything, He is joyful.

It is one of those character traits I'm most thankful for receiving. The Holy Spirit living in me whispers joy to my heart and my mind when the outside world seems to be yelling negativity to me.

Joy to the world, and that includes you and me!

Are you overwhelmed with parties, guest lists, gift wrapping, and tinsel this season? Or are you overcome with joy?

Kathy Carlton Willis, God’s Grin Gal, writes and speaks with a balance of funny and faith—whimsy and wisdom. Not many funny girls also have Bible degrees! She coaches others to learn how to remove the training wheels of fear and not just risk, but also take pleasure in the joy ride of a life trusting in God. Her newest book, The Grin Gal’s Guide to Joy, releases in January 2020.

Graphic adapted, courtesy of Couleur at Pixabay.

Joy, the Key to Peace

Pam Farrel knows more about joy because she's made it a focused choice in her life. In this Attitude UPGRADE, she encourages us to discover more peace as we pursue biblical joy.

"We live in a world where people are struggling with stress and discouragement," Pam says. "In a recent, Fox News poll, 65% say they are stressed daily and 52% of Americans say they are worried daily."

I (Dawn) see this stress and discouragment all the time. There is little peace in our world. But Pam says joy is the key to peace!

Pam continues . . . 

The good news is, researchers who wrote for Time magazine’s The Science of Happiness say that happiness is made of from 50% DNA, 10%Circumstances, and 40% CHOICES we make.

“We make our choices and our choices make us!” That's a mantra that those in my world have heard my husband, Bill, and I say for several decades.

During one particularly challenging and strenuous circumstance in my life when EVERYTHING seemed to be unraveling, my friends kindly reached out and inquired about my wellbeing.

I didn’t know how to answer them. The answer was too personal, too long and too depressing, so I prayed and asked God, "How do I answer?”

The Holy spirit impressed a question on my heart, “Pam, what kind of person do you want to be?”

“Lord I want to be the kind of person that can choose joy no matter what life sends my way. Your Word in Neh. 8:10 says “The joy of the Lord is my strength” and this family needs strength, so I choose You, Jesus, I choose joy!”

From that point on, when people ask, “How are you doing?” my answer has been, “Choosing joy!”       

Yes, our life is the sum of our choices and God’s loving sovereignty.     

In Discovering Joy in Philippians: A Creative Bible Study Experience, I share a word study where I add the synonyms to help define the key words in this verse with a vital key choice:

The choice to rejoice! 

REJOICE (lean in and delight in God’s grace) at ALL times, I repeat, REJOICE (choose to be glad and joyful because of ALL God gives us!) (Philippians 4:4).

God graciously gives the “how to” rejoice in Phil 4:6-9—

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

God doesn’t want us to be anxious (worried and loaded down with cares). The solution He provides can be illustrated as a word picture of wrapping a gift into a gift bag:  

Think of your cares and anxieties (your “supplication”) that you desire God to answer, as the gift; wrap them in the tissue paper of prayer, which Strong’s concordance explains is “to interact with the Lord by switching human wishes for His wishes....”

Drop your cares in the gift bag of thanksgiving, gratefully thanking God by faith for what He will deliver as an answer for your eternal good and His Eternal Glory.

As we ask, request and petition God, the confidence comes in believing you are giving this “gift” to the ONLY ONE who has the REAL POWER to answer—The Almighty GOD!   

And as we make this transaction, God gives us a gift back—peace (harmony, tranquility and sense of security) that is beyond comprehension! And that IS a great reason to REJOICE!

TRY THIS EXERCISE to apply this illustration to your life today:

• Imagine your greatest stress is placed into your right hand, wrap your fingers around this anxiety.
• Now lift it heavenward; open your fingers and picture presenting it at the foot of the throne of heaven.
• Leave your care there, but keep your hand open.
• Now, think of a name of God that would be best to hang your heart on to find hope, joy and peace. If you struggle to pick which trait, choose the name or trait of God that would be opposite of your stress. For example, if you care is your anxiety, trade it for the peace of God.
• Follow up by looking up verses about God being peace and giving peace.
• Then string your favorite verses together, put your name in the series and personalize God’s Word to your life.

Remember: Joy is the Key to Peace.

How can you apply this scripture to your life today? "Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say, rejoice" (Philippians 4:4).

Pam Farrel is an international speaker, relationship expert, and author of 48 books including her newest, Discovering Joy in Philippians: A Creative Bible Study Experience. She and her husband, Bill, co-direct Love-Wise ministries.

Graphic of key, courtesy of Pixabay.